NATO's First Step on Missile Defense

The initial elements of the United States' network of satellites, sensors and sea-based interceptors are already deployed to Europe.

By
Anders Fogh Rasmussen

May 13, 2012 3:52 pm ET

Last month, NATO conducted a historic exercise: the first comprehensive test of the alliance's new missile-defense capability. A U.S. ship, radar and satellite, as well as interceptor batteries from Germany and the Netherlands, conducted a series of simulated engagements to test the alliance's ability to defend against missile attacks. The test was successful.

None of the countries involved could have dealt with the simulated attacks alone. But together, working under NATO command and control, allies could—and did. The test...